Wedge Play at The Open Championship: 5 Keys for Royal Portrush
Wedge play at The Open Championship often determines who lifts the Claret Jug—and who goes home wondering what went wrong. With the 2025 Open returning to the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, success will hinge on short-game precision in firm, windy, and unpredictable conditions. Here are 5 critical wedge play tips to win on links turf—and why Vokey wedges are built for the job:
1. Fresh Grooves for Maximum Spin
Spin is king on the firm, fast greens of Royal Portrush. Wedges with worn grooves struggle to grip the ball, leading to inconsistent spin and rollout. Players who want to control their distance—especially when playing into the wind or to tight pins—need fresh grooves.
That’s where Vokey wedges shine. Vokey’s precision Spin Milled wedges mean consistent groove patterns–engineered to deliver maximum spin on every shot, no matter the conditions.
2. Control Trajectory in the Wind
Wedge play on links courses isn’t just about distance—it’s about trajectory control. At Royal Portrush, swirling winds demand that players flight their wedges low, take spin off when needed, and work the ball creatively in gusty crosswinds.
Vokey’s progressive center of gravity technology makes it easier to control launch and spin, helping players shape shots and stick them close even when the wind picks up.
3. Precise Contact on Tight Turf
The turf at Royal Portrush is tight, firm, and unforgiving. That means wedge play requires exact ball-first contact—thin it, and the ball races past the green; chunk it, and you're short and in trouble.
Vokey’s tour-inspired grinds are specifically designed to handle firm turf and tight lies. Whether you're playing a nipped spinner or a low-checking pitch, Bob Vokey’s craftsmanship helps you stay confident over the ball.
4. Creativity and Versatility Around the Green
On a links course, standard wedge shots won’t always work. You might need to bump-and-run from 40 yards, play a low check shot under the wind, or even putt from the fringe.
A Vokey wedge’s flight lines are crafted for versatility and allow for shotmaking creativity. Open the face for a high lob or hood it for a running chip—the design responds to your imagination.
5. Matching Bounce to Conditions
The best wedges for Royal Portrush have the right bounce for firm ground. Too much bounce and the club skids; too little and it digs. With uneven lies and pot bunkers lurking, wedge setup becomes crucial.
Vokey’s WedgeWorks offers custom grind and bounce options that let players tailor their wedges to the turf and conditions—giving them an edge when the pressure is on.
The Key to winning The Open? Better Wedge Play.
The Open Championship rewards smart, strategic golf—and nowhere is that more important than in the short game. If you want to master wedge play at The Open Championship, the equipment you choose matters.
Vokey wedges combine elite craftsmanship, versatile design, and tour-level performance—making them the ultimate tool for players who want to attack pins, control spin, and handle links courses with confidence.
Shop Vokey wedges and elevate your wedge game in any condition.
